Natural Encounters
Reinvigorating a post-war neighbourhood for living in social and natural harmony.
B.R. Versluijs (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Harald Mooij (TU Delft - Public Building and Housing Design)
H.F. Eckardt (Architectural Technology)
R.S. Guis (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice)
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Abstract
In the context of the current housing shortage, climate challenges, and the growing need to live in harmony with nature again, this design research focuses on improving the post-war neighbourhood of Groot-IJsselmonde in Rotterdam-Zuid. It focuses on different scale levels: the neighbourhood, the building, and the home, using the Biophilic Design concept as a guide. The monotonous, post-war voids have given way to a lively, diverse residential landscape that acts as a connector. The densification and transformation strategies are carefully designed to promote encounters: between old and new, between people and the natural environment, and between people.
During my research, I discovered that the key to social and ecological harmony lies in the connections between the different scale levels—connections that are currently missing in Groot-IJsselmonde. By developing corridors and natural routes, integrating welcoming gardens and lively places of encounter, and creating a diverse mix of households, I was able to add important connecting elements. The overall result is reinforcing the neighbourhood's natural character and qualities: a lively, inclusive and sustainable living environment that enables social and natural harmony.